Shaping a Digital Future for Indigenous Peoples: Alberta Labour Market Study

Alberta’s technology and innovation sector is expanding rapidly, representing approximately 8.9% of all provincial employment as of 2025. Despite this growth, Indigenous Peoples remain significantly underrepresented: while comprising roughly 5% of Canada’s population, they account for only about 1% of the digital workforce and are employed in technology-related roles at roughly half the rate of non-Indigenous Canadians. 

In partnership with the First Nations Technology Council, this labour market study is a multi-year initiative designed to identify opportunities and challenges for Indigenous job seekers, training institutions, and employers within Alberta’s growing digital sector. The initiative seeks to understand and expand opportunities for Indigenous Peoples in Alberta’s digital economy in roles such as software development, cybersecurity, AI architecture, and IT support — careers that are shaping the future of every industry.  

The research was conducted with approximately 650 participants, including Indigenous community members, employers, and regional stakeholders, guided by Indigenous methodologies and the OCAP® framework. 

In addition to key findings within the foundational research on disparities and challenges for Indigenous representation in the digital sector, the report identifies 14 best practices to strengthen Indigenous participation based on employer interviews, community surveys, and advisory committee engagement throughout the research. 

Summary of Key Findings

• Structural and organizational barriers, including racism, discrimination, underfunding, and ineffective recruitment practices, continue to limit participation in the digital economy. 
• 80% of Indigenous communities lack reliable high-speed internet, with rural users paying up to 46% more for installation — creating a compounding digital divide that limits skill development from an early age. 
• Indigenous youth demonstrate strong interest in digital careers, with approximately 70% reporting they feel somewhat or fully prepared for tech roles, aligning with employer demand in areas such as IT support, cybersecurity, and network administration. 
• Indigenous entrepreneurship is a growing economic driver, with the Indigenous economy projected to reach $100 billion and Alberta hosting 9.6% of Indigenous SMEs. 
• Best practices for increasing Indigenous representation and engagement include addressing systemic barriers, mobilizing targeted initiatives that are community-led, and providing recommendations to employers in recruitment and inclusion strategies. 

An employer toolkit aggregating practical tools and resources cited by participants throughout this research project is also available here. It includes links to Indigenous‑specific job boards and recruitment sites, highlights training institutions that offer cultural competency programs and other learning opportunities to build employer capacity, and lists supports for employers looking to partner with or contract Indigenous‑owned businesses.